Corporate Social Responsibility In Ghana Research Articles

A framework towards health and safety knowledge transfer from the construction industry to the community in developing countries: a case study of Ghana

This study aims at developing a framework to transfer health and safety knowledge (H&SK) from construction companies to project host communities as their corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a developing country. This study combined quantitative and qualitative enquiries into a mixed method. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a case study of the Ghanaian community and a construction company. 250 contractors comprised 155 building contractors, and 95 road contractors partook in the study. One sample t-test and thematic analysis were the analytical tools employed for this study. This study found eleven enablers of knowledge transfer from construction companies to a project host community and nine enablers of diffusion of knowledge in the Ghanaian community. The study further found that H&SK is compatible with Ghanaian cultural norms and values and that Ghanaian citizens are willing to adopt and share H&SK with their neighbours. It further found that H&SK can be transferred through family ties. It is expected that the framework put forward by this study would provide construction companies with the means to carry out their CSR with little budgetary constraints. It will also help to address the challenges in CSR implementation in the industry in Ghana and countries alike and, at the same time, improve the well-being of the citizenry. The framework developed by this study is novel because this is the first time an attempt has been made to provide the construction industry with a means to carry out its CSR in Ghana and to also improve the well-being of the Ghanaian citizenry at the same time.

A History of Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana

There have been several contributions and research perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), however, research suggests that there is paucity of literature on historical accounts on the concept. There is also considerable evidence that the few CSR histories that have been documented have mostly focused on US-based literature. This paper attempts to detail the history of CSR in the Ghanaian context. The paper is a culmination of archival data and academic reviews on the history of CSR as well as interviews conducted with purposely selected informants. An analysis of the historical data revealed three key phases of CSR development in Ghana: the Pre-CSR phase, the Early CSR beginnings phase and the CSR Professionalisation phase. Significantly, this paper contributes to the prevailing CSR management literature, especially on national CSR histories. A thorough review of the literature suggests that there is no documented history on CSR in Ghana. This paper therefore addresses this gap. It contributes to a more distinctive historical understanding of how CSR has evolved from its early days to its current state in Ghana. It further provides useful background context to inform future research, analysis and interpretation.

Investigating corporate governance and corporate social responsibility nexus in emerging economy: A structural equation approach

The nexus between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance (CG) has received negligible attention in emerging economies (Zaman, Jain, Samara, & Jamali, 2022; Jahid, Rashid, Hossain, Haryono, & Jatmiko, 2020). This study examines the relationship between CG and CSR in emerging economies. This study used a survey method to collect data from 220 top executives of selected firms in Ghana using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using Amos software. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesis. The study employed upper echelons theory to build the theoretical foundation and demonstrated that CG is a predominant predictor of CSR. As a result, the findings of the study show that CG has an important influence in catalyzing or curtailing CSR initiatives. Firms that pursue quality CG systems and practices are more likely to pursue better CSR initiatives. The implication for firms is that they need to carefully constitute CG systems and structures as they significantly enhance CSR implementation. Firms that want a better outcome from CSR programs must prioritize the implementation of CG systems and procedures that promote reciprocal exchanges with stakeholders. This study is among the first to examine the interdependency of CG and CSR in Ghana using the upper echelons theory

Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder engagement in Ghana\u2019s mining sector: a case study of Newmont Ahafo mines

Even though the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been applauded for several decades, the concept of stakeholder engagement is relatively new to the Ghanaian mining sector. This study investigates the CSR process of an extractive company and examines how stakeholders are engaged in CSR. Using purposive and snowball sampling in identifying its respondents, data was gathered through interviewing 21 selected respondents from various stakeholder groups and documents such as sustainability annual reports were analyzed. It was discovered that Newmont Ahafo Mines has consistently had a prominent CSR drive in Ghana for several years and stakeholder involvement in CSR is important for implementing relevant CSR programs. Findings of this study contribute to the building of empirical reference which will serve as guidelines for management practitioners dealing with stakeholder relations and CSR in Ghana’s mining sector. Therefore, it is recommended that the mining sector put immense effort in engaging various stakeholders in their CSR initiatives.

CSR in Ghana’s gold-mining sector: Assessing expectations and perceptions of performance with institutional and stakeholder lenses

PurposeThis article examines community expectations and perceptions of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of a multinational mining company following a unique incident of cyanide spillage from a tailings (processed ore effluents) storage facility. CSR remains a critical component of stakeholder management in developing countries due to the continuous environmental and social impacts of mining development. The article employs the stakeholder and institutional theories to assess the CSR manifestations of a large-scale mining company in the context of pressures at the plant level.Design/methodology/approachWe employ a mixed method design using survey and stakeholder interviews to collect, analyse, and present findings within legal, ethical, and discretionary CSR categories. The survey data were statistically analysed by calculating the standard deviations of the three CSR dimensions to compare and understand the data variations in respect of the perception ratings of respondents on a four-point Likert scale, while interview data was evaluated using an inductive approach based on thematic networks.FindingsThe findings suggest that unfulfilled expectations for employment generate wider consensus towards demands to share in mining benefits based on rising perceptions of inequity and social exclusion. Additionally, host communities within farming areas engage in speculative development in anticipation of CSR-related compensation resulting in a homogenised expectation. Further, this study reveals that reactive CSR practices are interpreted as both insincere and patronising, contributing to a negative perception of mining activities in affected communities.Research limitations/implicationsAs a single-case study, the findings may be inadequate for theoretical generalisations and therefore limited to the context of the study.ImplicationsRethinking stakeholder and institutional theories, and exploring new assumptions in the context of the mining industry in Ghana, may expand the current discourse within the academic, corporate, and statutory communities.ContributionThis study adds to and expands the assumptions of stakeholder and institutional theories in a mining context within local communities. It may also improve the knowledge of managers of large-scale mining companies on effective stakeholder management.

A Critical Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana’s Telecommunications Industry

While there has been extensive research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) across disciplines, there is still a dearth of research on CSR in Africa, south of the Sahara, which is one of the socio-economically marginalised regions in the global economy. Through in-depth interviews of employees at the management, mid and entry levels of the top four telecommunications companies in Ghana, this article explores the corporate sector’s commitment to CSR by critically analysing how mobile service providers manage CSR projects in their communities of operation. Specifically, this study examines how telecom companies utilise CSR to contribute to educational, economic and social development in the Northern Region, one of the most developmentally marginalised regions of the country. Using a development communication approach, our study assesses how multinational corporations (MNCs) can prioritise marginalised communities over profit in their approach to CSR management. We argue that telecom companies need to actively involve community members, employees and stakeholders in decisions about CSR management if they are to make any impact in their communities of operation. From these findings, practical and theoretical recommendations are presented to contribute to the development of CSR epistemologies and praxes in the Global South.

Research on Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana

This study examines the current state of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) research in Ghana. The evidence is based on a review of 47 published academic papers retrieved from three key online databases (EBSCOhost, Emerald Insights and Business Source Complete) and content analysis procedures drawn from the extant literature. The analysis demonstrates that the concept of CSR in Ghana is under-theorised. Researchers have focused more on empirical dimensions of CSR, following mostly quantitative methods of research. In addition, majority of the studies were skewed towards large multinational or internationally connected companies, especially those in the mining, banking and telecommunications sectors. This study contributes significantly to research in CSR literature. The study is the first attempt to map the research terrain of the body of knowledge on CSR in Ghana. It provides insights into research studies that have been conducted on CSR in Ghana, the areas that have not been explored, and avenues that exist for further research considerations. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR communication, CSR research, CSR theory, content analysis, Ghana. DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-5-07

A developmental paradox? The “dark forces” against corporate social responsibility in Ghana’s extractive industry

In order to reduce environmental degradation and contribute more to wider sustainable development efforts, mining and oil companies in Ghana undertake different projects in affected communities, such as building schools and providing scholarships, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Yet, evidence from recent studies suggests that the outcomes of these practices are mixed in terms of improving the livelihoods of people. This situation raises the question: what account for the disparity between companies’ CSR activities and perceptions of affected communities? Drawing upon interview data with stakeholders from the mining and oil sectors of Ghana, the paper explores the perceived factors that undermine the contribution of CSR toward developmental efforts in affected communities. The results show that misplaced priorities and duplication of projects on the part of companies, high expectations from affected communities, and inadequate involvement of beneficiaries are among the factors that undermine CSR in Ghana. These findings contribute to extant literature that underscore the dichotomy between CSR and development.

Corporate social responsibility and international business: examining the nexus and gaps from a developing economy perspective

Research into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana generally, has seen increased scholarly attention but same cannot be said of the specific area of CSR and International Business (IB), ironically though much of the data on CSR research comes from IBs. This paper therefore reviews existing literature on CSR in Ghana with the objective of identifying gaps and developing a framework to guide future research in CSR and IB because of the peculiarities. The paper underscores the varying and conflicting interests of host and home nations as well as international standards that IBs must navigate in their CSR activities, and applies Impression Management theory to develop a framework for future studies in the subject area in Africa and emerging economies.

Challenges of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in domestic settings: An exploration of mining regulation vis-à-vis CSR in Ghana

While some attempts have been made by countries such as Indonesia to make corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandatory, the whole idea everywhere else is benched on the voluntariness and discretion of corporations to pick and choose what would constitute their social responsibility initiatives. But the argument is that for countries with weaker regulation, corporations may not do much in terms of real CSR activities that transcend mere window dressing. This paper examines the domestic institutional dynamics that influence CSR policies and practices in Ghana. It attempts to emphasize the argument that effective domestic regulation and governance can play a role in ensuring sustainable corporate practices and initiatives, leading to a positive impact on the lives of people living in local mining communities. Insight for the paper is drawn from interviews conducted with several stakeholders in Ghana’s mining sector, including government officials and officers of two foreign-owned mining companies (i.e. Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd. and Chirano Gold Mines Ltd.).

Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana's National Development

This article assesses the nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by organizations in Ghana and how these activities tie into the government’s key focus areas of development. Documents relating to national development plans and the millennium development goals (MDGs) are reviewed and used as a baseline to assess the contributions of CSR activities to Ghana’s national development. The article uses a website analysis of companies’ CSR activities to assess the general practice of CSR in Ghana. Findings suggest that organizations in Ghana center their CSR initiatives mainly in line with the MDGs and aspects of earlier national development targets, rather than current national development goals put in place by Ghana’s governments, resulting in a neglect of significant development needs of the country. The researchers recommend that businesses strategically deploy their CSR activities to suit the peculiar developmental needs of the country.

Corporate Responsibility in Ghana: An Overview of Aspects of the Regulatory Regime

This paper examined some aspects of the regulatory regime affecting corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Ghana. It sought to assess the relationship between law and actions of corporate organisations and its implication for corporate responsibility in Ghana. The findings suggested that even though CSR is to a large extent influenced by various regulatory regimes in Ghana, its efficiency is often adversely affected by deficiences in the enforcement of the relevant laws. It is thus suggested that the enforcement agencies should be empowered to ensure compliance with th elaws to enable an effective delivery of CSR in Ghana.